3 TIPS TO ROCK YOU BACK TO SLEEP...

Having a solid night's rest 7 days a week, year-round sounds delightful but hardly realistic.   Sleep struggles are common for most of us from time to time, and for those pesky nights when you're wide-eyed for hours on end, here are several tips to rock you back to dreaming...

1. Don't look at the clock...

Not ever!  When you look at the clock, you've engaged your mind, and then the math begins.   Inevitably, you count how many hours you've been asleep and how many more 'til the alarm sounds. When you activate your mind like this, you've taken yourself away from the blissful spot where dreams are made.  Instead, with eyes closed, envision your happy place.   Hold that vision- your picture of "carefreeness" until you drift to dream-state.

2.  Breathe.   

Breathing, albeit involuntary, becomes a linchpin for putting yourself back to sleep.  Deep controlled inhales and exhales create a meditative yogic rhythm.   While laying on your back, head supported on your pillow, fill your body cavity with oxygen, then quietly release your breath, relaxing the body and the brain.   Without really counting, try getting to 20, maybe 30 sets.   This breath-work floats you back to rest.  

3.  Quiet the Mind.

Our mind is ON all day.   And there is nothing worse than an earworm... a TOP 10 hit or '70's disco beat that won't turn off.  It must get replaced.  Mantra work is the best for this.  Chanting Om (pronounced OM) is a powerful way calm the mind and nervous system.   This sanskrit word, associated with the crown chakra produces positive and powerful vibrations.  Chanting silently or aloud will center the mind, body and spirit for a return to rest.